Skip to content

Know more about diabetes to make the right decisions for your health.

In Delaware, the prevalence of diabetes has almost doubled in recent years. The information here will help you better understand diabetes and provide guidance on how this serious chronic condition can be treated and managed.

CCouple cooking a healthy meal to help prevent diabetes

Knowing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

One in four Americans has diabetes and doesn’t know it.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes, also known as hyperglycemia, is a chronic but treatable condition that occurs when the body cannot regulate glucose (sugar) in the blood, allowing it to rise to unhealthy levels. Diabetes is a progressive disease. Even if diabetes isn’t treated with medications at first, the need to use medications to control diabetes may increase over time.

How does diabetes affect the body?

Diabetes affects the glucose the body generates after breaking down food. Glucose is moved into your blood cells by insulin. When insulin enters the cells, it is either used immediately as fuel for energy or stored in the cell for later use. When a person has diabetes, there is a problem with the insulin — either the body doesn’t make enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does make very well.

Nationally Recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs

The following diabetes education programs in our area are recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) or the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) and meet the ADA’s National Standards for Excellence in Diabetes Education. Classes generally include a fee, but those recognized as ADA/AADE-approved programs may be covered by Medicare/Medicaid. Call your insurance company to check on your coverage benefits. Most of the diabetes education program facilities also sponsor free support groups. Please call your facility for a listing of types of support groups, meeting times, and locations.

New Castle County:

A.I. duPont Hospital for Children 1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
Call 302-651-5965
Sponsoring Organization: Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

Christiana Care Health Services 501 W. 14th St
Wilmington, DE 19801
Call 302-320-9069
Sponsoring Organization: Wilmington Hospital Campus

United Medical Accountable Care Organization 161 Becks Woods Drive
Bear, DE 19701
Call 302-266-9166

Kent County:

Bayhealth 640 S. State St.
Dover, DE 19901
Call 302-744-6307
Sponsoring Organization: Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus

Sussex County:

Beebe Healthcare 18947 John J. Highway
Suite 210
Rehoboth, DE 19971
Call 302-645-3121
Sponsoring Organization: Beebe Medical Arts Building

TidalHealth — Nanticoke Campus 801 Middleford Road
Seaford, DE 19973
Call 302-629-6611 x2288
Sponsoring Organization: Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

Find recognized and accredited Diabetes Education Programs in Delaware

The Delaware Diabetes Self-Management Program can help you manage diabetes.

Register for a free Diabetes Self-Management Program that can help you learn what you can do to stay healthy. If you’d prefer to register by phone, call 302-744-1020.